he Longines Master Collection offers a wide range of exclusively mechanical movements: hours, minutes, seconds and date, chronograph, power reserve, retrograde or annual calendar. Introduced two years ago on the men’s models, the moon phase display of the new models is a tour de force.

The case now comes in a 34mm diameter with a choice of different coloured straps (red, blue, taupe) or a stainless steel bracelet designed to hang elegantly and comfortably. The addition of the moon phase display has called for painstaking work to retain the harmonious proportions of the case.

The mother-of-pearl dial rivals the diamond hour markers in subtlety. It is also available in sunray blue, and purists will appreciate the now classic and unmistakable silver “barleycorn” pattern, emblematic of the Longines Master Collection.

Observable through a sapphire glass, the exclusive L899.5 automatic calibre is fitted with a silicon balance-spring that is light, non-magnetic, hard-wearing, stainless and impervious to thermal expansion. The timepieces driven by this movement benefit from a 5-year warranty, a proof of reliability.